The Torch, from Wicked Lasers, is billed as the most powerful flashlight in the world. After using this $300 device, we can't really argue with that, although it might also be the most dangerous flashlight in the world.

In addition to pumping out a blinding 4100 lumens (just about every other commercial flashlight clocks in at well under 100), the Torch is supposed to be able to set fire to paper, melt plastic and even scramble eggs. We gave it a try with toilet paper (unused, thank you), and it only took seconds to bring the first whiffs of smoke.

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Put simply, this thing is like a light saber. Just the reflection off of a paper towel was painfully bright and had us seeing stars. And as we recovered our vision, our sense of smell alerted us to another concern: melting metal from some smoldering contact coils within the flashlight. After less than two minutes, the battery was blackened and giving off smoke, stinking up PM's test lab. [Check out the ruins in the video here; story continues below ...]

We put the used battery to a voltmeter, and found it to be completely dead—not a promising sign. So while the Torch may seem like a camper's dream (lots of light, instant fire), we'd recommend backpackers stick to Zippos and LED head lamps for now. —Seth Porges